Archway at Breakfast Bend Photo by Ola WelinBreakfast Bend is one of the Similan Islands best diving areas, and it caters for all levels of divers. Even snorkelling can be done there. It gets its name from the time of day when it is best to dive and from its shape. Breakfast Bend sits on the east coast of Similan Island #9, which is known locally as Koh Bangu. On this side of the islands there is less chance of seeing huge filter-feeding pelagic sharks and rays, but this is more than made up for by the wonderful colours of fish and corals which adorn this easy dive site in waters which are not too deep and don't suffer from strong currents.
- Easy dive for everyone
- Wonderful colours and marine life
- Long colourful reef dive
- Night diving possible
Situated at the northernmost island of the Similan Islands, it is often the first dive of trip by Similan liveaboard tour groups from Phuket and Khao Lak. Sailing during the night and mooring up here enables the group leaders to check the level of their divers, which then allows them to know how to best organize and control the group for the remainder of the trip. Diving here in the morning is also the best time of day. It is known as Breakfast Bend for this very reason and its shape. The long and healthy reef follows the shape of the island in a gentle dog-leg bend. Currents are usually weak to mild, and if they come from the East they split in the centre of the bend, which is a good place for Divemasters to then choose which current to go with. There is enough reef on both sides of this current-splitting bend to enjoy a full one-hour dive. Why is it so good in the morning? Well, with nothing but sea for many miles to the East, the morning's sun has no buildings, trees or pollution to stop it penetrating the water's surface and lighting up the diverse and healthy life to be found here. It can be dived at any time of day, but is more colourful just after dawn.
Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) Photo by Henry and TersiaThere is so much to see here, that it is difficult to know where to start, and impossible to stop. The biggest fish divers are likely to come across are Leopard/Zebra Sharks (Stegpstoma fasciatum) or Blue-Spotted Stingrays (Neotrygon kuhlii), both of which spend most of their days resting on the sand. Large Potato Groupers/Cod (Epinephelus tukula) and Napoleon/Humphead Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) are also big and easy to spot. Down on the sandy seabed is a wonderful sight for calm and patient divers. Spotted Garden Eels (Heteroconger hassi) live in huge groups in holes in the sand. When approached they will all hide away, but divers who calmly rest on the sand to one side will soon see them re-emerge and appear to be gossiping with one another. What they're actually doing is grabbing microscopic food morsels from the passing current. Divers should also keep an eye out for two other types of sharks at Breakfast Bend, although they are both quite shy. Whitetip Reef Sharks (Triaenodon obesus) tend to rest in the day, facing any current, and Blacktip Reef Sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) swim around but often disappear upon seeing divers. Other interesting creatures are turtles. Here at The Similan Islands divers can see two main species of turtles; the Green (Chelonia mydas) and Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata). It should be taken for granted that hassling or touching any creature in the sea is forbidden, and this especially applies to turtles. They are very different from fish in as much as they are more intelligent and need to breathe air from the surface. Turtles who feel threatened by divers will automatically dive deeper to escape, which is not really what they want to do. In addition, feeding turtles may be fun but is bad for both their digestive systems and their habits.
Breakfast Bend is a great place for everyone from snorkellers to experienced scuba divers, including those who like to take photographs and video. Its colours and healthy and diverse marine life add to the easy depth and gentle currents to make it an enjoyable and safe Similans dive. For the best day trip and liveaboard packages, contact us to find out which boat best suits your needs and itinerary.
